Jim Kleinsasser is a former American football player who played as a tight end for the Minnesota Vikings in the National Football League (NFL). He was born on January 31, 1977, in Carrington, North Dakota, and attended the University of North Dakota, where he played college football for the North Dakota Fighting Sioux.
Kleinsasser was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 1999 NFL Draft, and he spent his entire 13-year career with the team. He was known for his versatility as a blocker and receiver, and he was often used as a fullback in addition to his primary role as a tight end.
Throughout his career, Kleinsasser was a reliable and consistent player for the Vikings. He was known for his toughness and work ethic, and he was respected by his teammates and coaches for his leadership and dedication to the game.
Kleinsasser's best season statistically came in 2003, when he caught 46 passes for 401 yards and two touchdowns. However, his contributions to the team went far beyond his statistics. He was a key player in the Vikings' running game, and he was often called upon to block for running backs such as Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
Kleinsasser was also a valuable contributor on special teams, where he was known for his ability to make tackles and block kicks. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2009 as a special teams player, and he was also a two-time recipient of the Vikings' Ed Block Courage Award, which is given to players who demonstrate courage and sportsmanship.
In addition to his success on the field, Kleinsasser was also known for his charitable work off the field. He was involved in a number of community service projects throughout his career, and he was recognized for his contributions with the Vikings' Community Man of the Year award in 2004.
Kleinsasser retired from the NFL after the 2011 season, having played in 181 games and catching 192 passes for 1,688 yards and six touchdowns. He was widely regarded as one of the best blocking tight ends of his era, and he was respected by his peers and fans alike for his toughness, work ethic, and dedication to the game.
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